What is the best place to take an animal's temperature?

Taking an animal's temperature rectally is considered the most accurate method for several reasons. The rectum is close to the body's core temperature, providing a reliable indication of the true internal body temperature. This direct approach captures the internal thermal state without the influence of external variables that can affect the readings taken through other methods.

Additionally, rectal thermometers designed for animals can be inserted safely and provide quick results, making them a standard in veterinary practice. While other methods, such as oral or ear thermometers, are used in certain situations, they may not always yield the same accuracy as rectal measurements, especially in smaller or more stressed animals. The rectum is not only a common practice in veterinary settings, but it is also recommended for accurately assessing the health status of an animal, particularly when a fever or hypothermia is suspected.